RAV4 Test Drive

Today, I reserved a vacation day from work to visit my local Toyota Dealer
to test drive the 2007 Toyota RAV4 Limited trim for an extended test drive
on the turnpike.

The reliable vehicle I have been happily driving for the past 10½ years is
the Saturn SL2.

My good old Saturn can easily pass traffic on the turnpike, so with this
experience, it was my first time driving an SUV.

Driving around the sharp turns illustrated much body lean that I was not
accustomed to.

Once in the merging lane, passing acceleration from the powerful V6 is what
really made this test drive fun.

Visibility was drastically different.

In my Saturn, I merely turn my head to see over my shoulder.

In the RAV4, proper (electronic) adjustment of the side mirror made it seem
as if there was absolutely no blind spots.

The heated leather seats felt like a novelty.

For short trips, the heated leather seats were fine, but on the highway, it
was uncomfortable.

The salesman wants to sell the RAV4 to me this coming weekend, but I feel
that would be rushed.

I want to feel ready. A part of me wants to take a look at another vehicle,
just for the sake of comparison.

I feel that the RAV4 is most certainly a very good vehicle.

I spoke to a service tech to inquire about service.

I was simply advised that routine maintenance is for 5 months/5,000 miles.

Since my mileage is low (My Saturn is 10½ years old and I only have 74,000
miles on it), I was advised to bring it every 6 months for service.

I want a 2007 model, but one with very low mileage on the odometer.

The model I test drove had just over 100 miles on it.

Suggestions? Advice?
Thanks!
_________
===fish===
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

"fish" <i.am.such.ah.fish@new.york> wrote in message
news:Mkxph.4781$8B5.2890@trnddc08...[color=blue]
> Today, I reserved a vacation day from work to visit my local Toyota Dealer
> to test drive the 2007 Toyota RAV4 Limited trim for an extended test drive
> on the turnpike.
>
> The reliable vehicle I have been happily driving for the past 10½ years is
> the Saturn SL2.
>
> My good old Saturn can easily pass traffic on the turnpike, so with this
> experience, it was my first time driving an SUV.
>
> Driving around the sharp turns illustrated much body lean that I was not
> accustomed to.
>
> Once in the merging lane, passing acceleration from the powerful V6 is
> what really made this test drive fun.
>
> Visibility was drastically different.
>
> In my Saturn, I merely turn my head to see over my shoulder.
>
> In the RAV4, proper (electronic) adjustment of the side mirror made it
> seem as if there was absolutely no blind spots.
>
> The heated leather seats felt like a novelty.
>
> For short trips, the heated leather seats were fine, but on the highway,
> it was uncomfortable.
>
> The salesman wants to sell the RAV4 to me this coming weekend, but I feel
> that would be rushed.
>
> I want to feel ready. A part of me wants to take a look at another
> vehicle, just for the sake of comparison.
>
> I feel that the RAV4 is most certainly a very good vehicle.
>
> I spoke to a service tech to inquire about service.
>
> I was simply advised that routine maintenance is for 5 months/5,000 miles.
>
> Since my mileage is low (My Saturn is 10½ years old and I only have 74,000
> miles on it), I was advised to bring it every 6 months for service.
>
> I want a 2007 model, but one with very low mileage on the odometer.
>
> The model I test drove had just over 100 miles on it.
>
> Suggestions? Advice?
> Thanks!
> _________
> ===fish===
> ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯[/color]

Before someone can provide you with useful and pertinent advice, it would be
helpful if you provided some of the factors that are important to you, like:

Seating comfort - how long do you expect to sit on most trips?
head room
leg room
hip room
typical # passengers
Ingress/egress-
cargo space
towing capacity - how much?
handling
4WD
off-road capability
acceleration
fuel economy
goodies like audio system, navigation, heated or cooled seats, backup
camera, backup sensors, etc

If you do not need the cargo space, off-road capability, towing ability,
etc. of an SUV, then a sedan or station wagon like the Matrix or Vibe may
suit your needs better.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"fish" <i.am.such.ah.fish@new.york> wrote in message
news:Mkxph.4781$8B5.2890@trnddc08...[color=blue]
> Today, I reserved a vacation day from work to visit my local Toyota Dealer
> to test drive the 2007 Toyota RAV4 Limited trim for an extended test drive
> on the turnpike.
>
> The reliable vehicle I have been happily driving for the past 10½ years is
> the Saturn SL2.
>
>[/color]
*snip*

Reading your posts on here and on the Honda ng re: the CRV I can tell you
are very particular and analytical about buying this new vehicle. Not
necessarily a bad thing but if you analyze these things to death, you'll
never find a car good enough. My 06 RAV4 is a great ride (Base model 4WD).
As was my 02 CRV. I personally did not care for the new CRV styling and the
ridiculousness of the dealerships who "market adjust" the price for the new
body styles when they come out. Good luck with everything...

Ray O respectfully adds...
[color=blue][color=green]
>> Suggestions? Advice?
>> Thanks![/color][/color]
[color=blue]
> Seating comfort - how long do you expect to sit on most trips?[/color]

Most trips are less than 10 minutes (work, nearby shopping, etc.)

Some trips (weekend drives to New York (less than 1½ hr. drive) - this is
where the comfort level really matters most and this is important since I
enjoy my drives to the city.
[color=blue]
> head room
> leg room
> hip room[/color]

Quite comfortable actually.

The electronic 8-way seat is a novelty, but it comes in handy when I am
driving and wish to simply adjust one of many features (I actually did a few
adjustments while driving on the turnpike and was able to do so without
taking my attention from the road).
[color=blue]
> typical # passengers[/color]

Usually myself, sometimes an extra passenger; however, the additional
storage space for extra cargo is the main reason for an SUV.
[color=blue]
> cargo space[/color]

See above.
[color=blue]
> towing capacity - how much?[/color]

Not needed, so that's an option I will not need to pay extra for.
[color=blue]
> handling[/color]

My recent test drive on the turnpike revealed it handles very well and is
able to pass with much ease.
[color=blue]
> 4WD[/color]

I asked specifically about that and was told two different things.

1. The salesman told me that the 4WD is always engaged.
2. The sales manager told me it is always 2WD and when the extra traction is
needed (i.e. snow), then the computer automatically engages the 4WD - so two
different answers.

I will need to ask at another dealership this coming weekend for a 3rd
answer - since two different answers tells me that someone is either lying
or simply doesn't know.

Oh and I caught the salesman in a lie.
He told me that the spare tire cover can be locked with a small padlock.
Today I specifically asked in the presence of the sales manager and was
given a different answer by a different salesman - I said, "show me!" -
because I wasn't about to accept any further lies.

I was shown that the cover cannot be removed with the door closed - but
there is no way to physically attach a padlock - I am feeling a bit
distressed about that salesman at this point. He seems like a nice guy, but
come on!

I further asked about roadside assistance.
I was told by both the salesman and the manager that roadside assistance is
not part of the package.

Today I saw a huge banner saying, "Roadside assistance: 7 years/100,000
miles" for all used cars.

Well, if Roadside assistance is available for used cars, what about new
cars?
[color=blue]
> off-road capability[/color]

Not needed. :)
[color=blue]
> acceleration[/color]

The V6 performance on the turnpike was exceptional.
[color=blue]
> fuel economy[/color]

For this particular vehicle, it is the best in its class.

This makes me wonder if test driving any other Toyota is even worth my time,
since no other SUV can match the fuel economy of the RAV4.
[color=blue]
> goodies like audio system[/color]

The audio system was great.

I picked up NY radio very clear (this is subjective depending on location,
since I live 90 miles from Midtown Manhattan).
[color=blue]
> If you do not need the cargo space, off-road capability,
> towing ability, etc. of an SUV...[/color]

The cargo space would certainly be a major benefit, since having it means I
can shop for things I currently do not.

Perfect example, I would love to buy antiques and have the storage to drive
it home - or shop for large items like a flat screen TV (in the future) -
the possibilities are endless.

Another feature of having an SUV with 4WD is driving through the snow as
well as driving through flooded streets without getting flooded out (it only
happened to me once in the 10½ years of driving my Saturn) - but still
something I would rather have.

I would like to add that the cruise control was awesome - I can actually see
myself driving in the slower lane when driving home from the city and being
able to simply relax to music in the (standard) 6 CD stereo player. The
volume controls on the steering wheel was lots of fun to play with.
_________
===fish===
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

"fish" <i.am.such.ah.fish@new.york> wrote in message
news:07Cph.3347$3h5.2660@trnddc01...[color=blue]
> Ray O respectfully adds...
>[color=green][color=darkred]
>>> Suggestions? Advice?
>>> Thanks![/color][/color]
>[color=green]
>> Seating comfort - how long do you expect to sit on most trips?[/color]
>
> Most trips are less than 10 minutes (work, nearby shopping, etc.)
>
> Some trips (weekend drives to New York (less than 1½ hr. drive) - this is
> where the comfort level really matters most and this is important since I
> enjoy my drives to the city.
>[color=green]
>> head room
>> leg room
>> hip room[/color]
>
> Quite comfortable actually.
>
> The electronic 8-way seat is a novelty, but it comes in handy when I am
> driving and wish to simply adjust one of many features (I actually did a
> few adjustments while driving on the turnpike and was able to do so
> without taking my attention from the road).
>[color=green]
>> typical # passengers[/color]
>
> Usually myself, sometimes an extra passenger; however, the additional
> storage space for extra cargo is the main reason for an SUV.
>[color=green]
>> cargo space[/color]
>
> See above.
>[color=green]
>> towing capacity - how much?[/color]
>
> Not needed, so that's an option I will not need to pay extra for.
>[color=green]
>> handling[/color]
>
> My recent test drive on the turnpike revealed it handles very well and is
> able to pass with much ease.
>[color=green]
>> 4WD[/color]
>
> I asked specifically about that and was told two different things.
>
> 1. The salesman told me that the 4WD is always engaged.
> 2. The sales manager told me it is always 2WD and when the extra traction
> is needed (i.e. snow), then the computer automatically engages the 4WD -
> so two different answers.
>
> I will need to ask at another dealership this coming weekend for a 3rd
> answer - since two different answers tells me that someone is either lying
> or simply doesn't know.[/color]

The Rav4's 4WD system is described as "electronic on-demand four wheel drive
with manual lock. I think both people were telling you the same thing in a
slightly different manner.

If there is no button, lever, or knob to select 4WD, then the system is an
all wheel drive system with a center differential between the front and rear
axles. Most AWD systems have what is known as "bias," where most of the
power is sent to either the front or rear axles. If the 2WD version of the
vehicle is front wheel drive, then bias on the AWD version is usually
towards the front axle, and if the 2WD version of the vehicle is RWD, then
bias on the AWD version is usually towards the rear axle. In the case of
the Rav4, I believe the bias is towards the front.

In simpler terms, the 4WD Rav4 will send most of the power to the front axle
under most conditions so it is in effect front wheel drive, and if the rear
wheels start to slip, it will transfer up to 50% of the power to the rear.
The 4WD lock button locks the system in the 50/50 split mode.
[color=blue]
>
> Oh and I caught the salesman in a lie.
> He told me that the spare tire cover can be locked with a small padlock.
> Today I specifically asked in the presence of the sales manager and was
> given a different answer by a different salesman - I said, "show me!" -
> because I wasn't about to accept any further lies.
>
> I was shown that the cover cannot be removed with the door closed - but
> there is no way to physically attach a padlock - I am feeling a bit
> distressed about that salesman at this point. He seems like a nice guy,
> but come on!
>
> I further asked about roadside assistance.
> I was told by both the salesman and the manager that roadside assistance
> is not part of the package.
>
> Today I saw a huge banner saying, "Roadside assistance: 7 years/100,000
> miles" for all used cars.
>
> Well, if Roadside assistance is available for used cars, what about new
> cars?
>[/color]

I suspect that roadside assistance is something offered by the dealership,
not by Toyota.
[color=blue][color=green]
>> off-road capability[/color]
>
> Not needed. :)
>[color=green]
>> acceleration[/color]
>
> The V6 performance on the turnpike was exceptional.
>[color=green]
>> fuel economy[/color]
>
> For this particular vehicle, it is the best in its class.
>
> This makes me wonder if test driving any other Toyota is even worth my
> time, since no other SUV can match the fuel economy of the RAV4.
>[color=green]
>> goodies like audio system[/color]
>
> The audio system was great.
>
> I picked up NY radio very clear (this is subjective depending on location,
> since I live 90 miles from Midtown Manhattan).
>[color=green]
>> If you do not need the cargo space, off-road capability,
>> towing ability, etc. of an SUV...[/color]
>
> The cargo space would certainly be a major benefit, since having it means
> I can shop for things I currently do not.
>
> Perfect example, I would love to buy antiques and have the storage to
> drive it home - or shop for large items like a flat screen TV (in the
> future) - the possibilities are endless.
>
> Another feature of having an SUV with 4WD is driving through the snow as
> well as driving through flooded streets without getting flooded out (it
> only happened to me once in the 10½ years of driving my Saturn) - but
> still something I would rather have.
>
> I would like to add that the cruise control was awesome - I can actually
> see myself driving in the slower lane when driving home from the city and
> being able to simply relax to music in the (standard) 6 CD stereo player.
> The volume controls on the steering wheel was lots of fun to play with.
> _________
> ===fish===
> ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯[/color]
It sounds like the Rav4 suits your needs and/or desires pretty closely!
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

I am not sure where you live Fish but the tow prep package is worth it if
you are in a warmish climate. It adds cooling capacity which helps with air
conditioning. Just don't get the hitch package.
Ron
"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:71718$45a7242b$47c2b532$6018@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=blue]
>
> "fish" <i.am.such.ah.fish@new.york> wrote in message
> news:07Cph.3347$3h5.2660@trnddc01...[color=green]
>> Ray O respectfully adds...
>>[color=darkred]
>>>> Suggestions? Advice?
>>>> Thanks![/color]
>>[color=darkred]
>>> Seating comfort - how long do you expect to sit on most trips?[/color]
>>
>> Most trips are less than 10 minutes (work, nearby shopping, etc.)
>>
>> Some trips (weekend drives to New York (less than 1½ hr. drive) - this is
>> where the comfort level really matters most and this is important since I
>> enjoy my drives to the city.
>>[color=darkred]
>>> head room
>>> leg room
>>> hip room[/color]
>>
>> Quite comfortable actually.
>>
>> The electronic 8-way seat is a novelty, but it comes in handy when I am
>> driving and wish to simply adjust one of many features (I actually did a
>> few adjustments while driving on the turnpike and was able to do so
>> without taking my attention from the road).
>>[color=darkred]
>>> typical # passengers[/color]
>>
>> Usually myself, sometimes an extra passenger; however, the additional
>> storage space for extra cargo is the main reason for an SUV.
>>[color=darkred]
>>> cargo space[/color]
>>
>> See above.
>>[color=darkred]
>>> towing capacity - how much?[/color]
>>
>> Not needed, so that's an option I will not need to pay extra for.
>>[color=darkred]
>>> handling[/color]
>>
>> My recent test drive on the turnpike revealed it handles very well and is
>> able to pass with much ease.
>>[color=darkred]
>>> 4WD[/color]
>>
>> I asked specifically about that and was told two different things.
>>
>> 1. The salesman told me that the 4WD is always engaged.
>> 2. The sales manager told me it is always 2WD and when the extra traction
>> is needed (i.e. snow), then the computer automatically engages the 4WD -
>> so two different answers.
>>
>> I will need to ask at another dealership this coming weekend for a 3rd
>> answer - since two different answers tells me that someone is either
>> lying or simply doesn't know.[/color]
>
> The Rav4's 4WD system is described as "electronic on-demand four wheel
> drive with manual lock. I think both people were telling you the same
> thing in a slightly different manner.
>
> If there is no button, lever, or knob to select 4WD, then the system is an
> all wheel drive system with a center differential between the front and
> rear axles. Most AWD systems have what is known as "bias," where most of
> the power is sent to either the front or rear axles. If the 2WD version
> of the vehicle is front wheel drive, then bias on the AWD version is
> usually towards the front axle, and if the 2WD version of the vehicle is
> RWD, then bias on the AWD version is usually towards the rear axle. In
> the case of the Rav4, I believe the bias is towards the front.
>
> In simpler terms, the 4WD Rav4 will send most of the power to the front
> axle under most conditions so it is in effect front wheel drive, and if
> the rear wheels start to slip, it will transfer up to 50% of the power to
> the rear. The 4WD lock button locks the system in the 50/50 split mode.
>[color=green]
>>
>> Oh and I caught the salesman in a lie.
>> He told me that the spare tire cover can be locked with a small padlock.
>> Today I specifically asked in the presence of the sales manager and was
>> given a different answer by a different salesman - I said, "show me!" -
>> because I wasn't about to accept any further lies.
>>
>> I was shown that the cover cannot be removed with the door closed - but
>> there is no way to physically attach a padlock - I am feeling a bit
>> distressed about that salesman at this point. He seems like a nice guy,
>> but come on!
>>
>> I further asked about roadside assistance.
>> I was told by both the salesman and the manager that roadside assistance
>> is not part of the package.
>>
>> Today I saw a huge banner saying, "Roadside assistance: 7 years/100,000
>> miles" for all used cars.
>>
>> Well, if Roadside assistance is available for used cars, what about new
>> cars?
>>[/color]
>
> I suspect that roadside assistance is something offered by the dealership,
> not by Toyota.
>[color=green][color=darkred]
>>> off-road capability[/color]
>>
>> Not needed. :)
>>[color=darkred]
>>> acceleration[/color]
>>
>> The V6 performance on the turnpike was exceptional.
>>[color=darkred]
>>> fuel economy[/color]
>>
>> For this particular vehicle, it is the best in its class.
>>
>> This makes me wonder if test driving any other Toyota is even worth my
>> time, since no other SUV can match the fuel economy of the RAV4.
>>[color=darkred]
>>> goodies like audio system[/color]
>>
>> The audio system was great.
>>
>> I picked up NY radio very clear (this is subjective depending on
>> location, since I live 90 miles from Midtown Manhattan).
>>[color=darkred]
>>> If you do not need the cargo space, off-road capability,
>>> towing ability, etc. of an SUV...[/color]
>>
>> The cargo space would certainly be a major benefit, since having it means
>> I can shop for things I currently do not.
>>
>> Perfect example, I would love to buy antiques and have the storage to
>> drive it home - or shop for large items like a flat screen TV (in the
>> future) - the possibilities are endless.
>>
>> Another feature of having an SUV with 4WD is driving through the snow as
>> well as driving through flooded streets without getting flooded out (it
>> only happened to me once in the 10½ years of driving my Saturn) - but
>> still something I would rather have.
>>
>> I would like to add that the cruise control was awesome - I can actually
>> see myself driving in the slower lane when driving home from the city and
>> being able to simply relax to music in the (standard) 6 CD stereo player.
>> The volume controls on the steering wheel was lots of fun to play with.
>> _________
>> ===fish===
>> ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯[/color]
> It sounds like the Rav4 suits your needs and/or desires pretty closely!
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)
>[/color]

Ron respectfully suggested...
[color=blue]
> I am not sure where you live Fish but the
> tow prep package is worth it if you are
> in a warmish climate. It adds cooling
> capacity which helps with air conditioning.
> Just don't get the hitch package.[/color]

Wow, so to summarize this package, I am to include the tow prep package
without the hitch package.

Next time I go through every available option, I will click that and see how
different the price will be affected.

Yes, I feel that there are features of the RAV 4 that I like wherein I must
ask myself if it is worth spending a few extra thousand bucks for a slightly
larger (only 3 inches) Highlander.

Interesting thing is that although the Highlander is only 3 inches longer,
the weight difference is much more (which would most likely explain why the
EPA gas mileage is not as good as the RAV 4).

Highlander weight = 4,035 lbs.
RAV 4 weight = 3,750 lbs.

Anyhow, thanks for all the advice so far!!

In one respect, I want to take my time to be sure I purchase the vehicle
with all the options I need (Ron really helped big time), yet I don't want
to wait too long because I obviously want to purchase it this month.

I will give myself a goal if either next week or the week after.

Any further ideas or suggestions will be helpful!

Thanks again!!
_________
===fish===
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

My Highlander is an 02. I've not riden nor driven a RAV4 but from sitting
in one, the slight difference in size can be felt. Shoulder room is better
but I am pretty good size - my guess is the RAV4 will do for darned near
anyone currently driving a Highlander. Our 05 Avalon has the 3.5 and its
much better for power (LOTS) and mileage.
Ron
"fish" <i.am.such.ah.fish@new.york> wrote in message
news:lUWph.74$R76.44@trnddc05...[color=blue]
> Ron respectfully suggested...
>[color=green]
>> I am not sure where you live Fish but the
>> tow prep package is worth it if you are
>> in a warmish climate. It adds cooling
>> capacity which helps with air conditioning.
>> Just don't get the hitch package.[/color]
>
> Wow, so to summarize this package, I am to include the tow prep package
> without the hitch package.
>
> Next time I go through every available option, I will click that and see
> how different the price will be affected.
>
> Yes, I feel that there are features of the RAV 4 that I like wherein I
> must ask myself if it is worth spending a few extra thousand bucks for a
> slightly larger (only 3 inches) Highlander.
>
> Interesting thing is that although the Highlander is only 3 inches longer,
> the weight difference is much more (which would most likely explain why
> the EPA gas mileage is not as good as the RAV 4).
>
> Highlander weight = 4,035 lbs.
> RAV 4 weight = 3,750 lbs.
>
> Anyhow, thanks for all the advice so far!!
>
> In one respect, I want to take my time to be sure I purchase the vehicle
> with all the options I need (Ron really helped big time), yet I don't want
> to wait too long because I obviously want to purchase it this month.
>
> I will give myself a goal if either next week or the week after.
>
> Any further ideas or suggestions will be helpful!
>
> Thanks again!!
> _________
> ===fish===
> ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
>[/color]

Ray O respectfully pointed out that...
[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
>>> I am not sure where you live Fish but the
>>> tow prep package is worth it if you are
>>> in a warmish climate. It adds cooling
>>> capacity which helps with air conditioning.
>>> Just don't get the hitch package.[/color][/color][/color]
[color=blue]
> I am pretty sure that the tow prep package
> includes a larger alternator, larger cooling
> system, wiring for a trailer, and a receiver
> hitch, all in one package.[/color]

Wow, thanks Ray O - I knew I could count on you!

Do I really need this tow prep package?

Is the air conditioning really THAT much better?

Will this affect the EPA gas mileage rating?

Is it worth it?
_________
===fish===
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

"fish" <i.am.such.ah.fish@new.york> wrote in message
news:WAdqh.228$AG6.122@trnddc06...[color=blue]
> Ray O respectfully pointed out that...
>[color=green][color=darkred]
>>>> I am not sure where you live Fish but the
>>>> tow prep package is worth it if you are
>>>> in a warmish climate. It adds cooling
>>>> capacity which helps with air conditioning.
>>>> Just don't get the hitch package.[/color][/color]
>[color=green]
>> I am pretty sure that the tow prep package
>> includes a larger alternator, larger cooling
>> system, wiring for a trailer, and a receiver
>> hitch, all in one package.[/color]
>
> Wow, thanks Ray O - I knew I could count on you!
>
> Do I really need this tow prep package?[/color]

If you do not plan on towing a trailer, you probably don't NEED the tow
package. The advantage of the tow package is the additional cooling
capacity, which might come in handy if you live in a hot climate, routinely
drive in the mountains, or often drive with the vehicle laden close to its
payload capacity, although the standard capacity is probably adequate.

One other advantage of having the hitch receiver (the square box under the
bumper that the draw bar) is the ability to use a receiver-mounted bike
rack, cargo platform, or cargo box. By mounting those accessories behind
the vehicle instead of the roof rack, there is less aerodynamic drag, your
bike doesn't get full of bugs, and bikes are a lot easier to mount behind
the vehicle than up on the roof.
[color=blue]
>
> Is the air conditioning really THAT much better?[/color]

There is no additional air conditioning capacity with the tow prep package,
so the air conditioning is not at all better.
[color=blue]
>
> Will this affect the EPA gas mileage rating?[/color]

Yes, but probably not measurably. The tow prep package probably adds about
40 ~ 50 pounds to the weight of the vehicle - {larger radiator - 1~2 lbs;
additional coolant ~ 8 lbs; wiring ~ 1 lb; and receiver ~ 30 lbs}. The
engine has to work to haul that additional weight around all of the time.[color=blue]
>
> Is it worth it?
> _________
> ===fish===
> ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯[/color]

If you are getting a loaded vehicle with all the goodies, then the price of
the tow prep package is probably a small percentage of the price, it will
add some to the resale value, you may get some future use out of it, and you
get the additional cooling capacity. If you are getting a vehicle with
little or not options, then it may be harder to sell later to someone
looking for a bare bones ride.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"fish" <i.am.such.ah.fish@new.york> wrote in message
news:WAdqh.228$AG6.122@trnddc06...[color=blue]
> Ray O respectfully pointed out that...
>[color=green][color=darkred]
>>>> I am not sure where you live Fish but the
>>>> tow prep package is worth it if you are
>>>> in a warmish climate. It adds cooling
>>>> capacity which helps with air conditioning.
>>>> Just don't get the hitch package.[/color][/color]
>[color=green]
>> I am pretty sure that the tow prep package
>> includes a larger alternator, larger cooling
>> system, wiring for a trailer, and a receiver
>> hitch, all in one package.[/color]
>
> Wow, thanks Ray O - I knew I could count on you!
>
> Do I really need this tow prep package?
>
> Is the air conditioning really THAT much better?
>
> Will this affect the EPA gas mileage rating?
>
> Is it worth it?
> _________
> ===fish===
> ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯[/color]


Do you think you might ever want or need to tow anything?